About Brown University
The sticker price hits $84,828, but most families pay far less. Students from families earning $30-48K pay just $2,273 after aid, while those from $75-110K households pay $19,526. Graduates earn a median $93,487 ten years out, making the typical $11,428 debt load manageable with monthly payments around $121. Only 13.27% receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's wealthy student body.
Brown's 6:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate learning environments where 98.66% of students return for sophomore year. The campus houses 5,336 students in a tight-knit community where 951 athletes compete across 30 Division I sports. With a 95.90% six-year graduation rate and 92.5% employment rate, Brown delivers on its promise of intellectual freedom leading to professional success.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 6:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 90.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 95.5%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.9%
- Retention Rate
- 98.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $93,487
- Carnegie Classification
- Doctoral University (R1)
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $153,718 |
| Applied Mathematics. | Bachelor | $88,506 |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $75,921 |
| Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations. | Bachelor | $73,769 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $63,302 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $61,294 |
| Public Policy Analysis. | Master | $61,020 |
| Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education. | Master | $60,771 |
| Public Health. | Master | $59,937 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $58,673 |
Campus Life
Providence sits an hour from Boston, offering city amenities without overwhelming crowds. New England winters require heavy coats and boots for trudging between classes. About 73% of students live on campus in dorms that range from converted mansions on the Hill to modern complexes. The 98.66% retention rate reflects students who find their academic and social niche quickly.
Weekends blend studying with exploring Thayer Street's restaurants and vintage shops. Spring Weekend brings major concerts to campus each year. Students often head to nearby Newport beaches or take weekend trips to Boston and New York. The campus buzzes with 951 varsity athletes across 30 sports, plus countless club activities. Brown's location on College Hill provides tree-lined quads and brick buildings that feel both historic and active.
- Setting
- City-Midsize
- Housing Capacity
- 5,336 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1765
Campus Safety (2023)
128 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 20 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 12 | 11 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 12 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 8 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 6 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 22°–38°F
- July Avg
- 65°–83°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 47.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 36.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 49.3%
- Women
- 50.8%
- White
- 35.8%
- Black
- 8.7%
- Hispanic
- 12.2%
- Asian
- 20.5%
- In-State Students
- 3.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 13.3%
Location
- Address
- Providence, Rhode Island 02912
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $93,487
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $84,446
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $64,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 87.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $121/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,428
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?
Brown accepts just 5.06% of applicants, making it one of the most selective universities in the country. Admitted students typically score between 1490-1580 on the SAT, reflecting the intense competition for spots in Brown's famously flexible curriculum.
How much does Brown University cost after financial aid?
While the total cost reaches $84,828 annually, Brown's generous aid brings the average net price down to $26,572. Families earning under $48,000 pay just $2,273 on average, as the university meets full demonstrated need for all admitted students.
What makes Brown University's curriculum unique?
Brown operates with an open curriculum that eliminates all distribution requirements, allowing students complete freedom to design their course of study. With a 6:1 student-faculty ratio, students work closely with professors while exploring their academic interests without the constraints of general education mandates.
How much do Brown University graduates earn?
Brown graduates earn a median salary of $93,487 ten years after graduation, reflecting strong career outcomes across diverse fields. The university maintains a 95.9% six-year graduation rate, and 92.5% of graduates find employment, demonstrating the value of a Brown education in the job market.
Where is Brown University located and what is campus life like?
Brown sits in Providence, Rhode Island, with housing capacity for 5,336 students in a close-knit campus community. The university fields 30 varsity sports teams as part of the Ivy League, with 951 student-athletes competing at the Division I level.
Is Brown University diverse in its student body?
Brown enrolls 7,273 students from across the country, with only 3.31% coming from Rhode Island. The student body is 35.84% white, 20.45% Asian, 12.18% Hispanic, and 8.69% Black, creating a nationally diverse learning environment that draws students worldwide.
